The Sword Clan

Fresh Wood and the others returned three days later, but in those three days, Little Tiger was continuously training Michael without even sparing the time to sleep. For a cultivator, neglecting sleep was fine, but for a mortal to train without rest and sleep, this was something that was extremely tiring. In fact, the day that the others returned, Michael was collapsed on the front yard, unable to stay conscious after a hellish regimen that Little Tiger made him do.

Michael was bought to his room and there he stayed unconscious for two more days, until he was gently awakened by Fresh Wood.

"Child, you must wake up. I have prepared a banquet for you. Little Tiger may have told you but I am planning to have you as my son and you will have me as your father. Do you accept?" Fresh Wood said and asked.

Michael was taken aback, though he has already heard of the matter, the actual event flustered him. Not only did he notice the affectionate gaze of Fresh Wood, he also started to realize the intentions behind Fresh Wood's actions of not telling him beforehand and asking him when the banquet was already prepared, these were because of one simple reason, to lower the probability of him rejecting his offer.

Though there was a slyness behind Fresh Wood's actions, it did not offend him, he even liked it. He felt the passion of the Old Man and was touched. He sat up from his sitting position and slowly began to kowtow reverently.

"This unworthy man will be honoured to be your child, dear sir, and until you break the bonds yourself, then it shall be until the end of days.", Michael said in a serious tone.

Fresh Wood smiled and he waved his hand, lifting Michael from his kowtow and making him stand up. The old man looked at him contentedly and gestured for him to follow him as he began to walk away, towards the front yard.

The front yard that was originally empty now had many tables filled with sumptuous meals. People filled the area and many were talking with each other, filled with curiosity towards the protagonist of this event.

As an old man and a young man stepped out into the view of the people, the countless individuals looked at them with their curiosity gnawing on them continuously. Even some of the Elders from the other clans looked at them and soon this gaze focused only on the young man. Most of these Elders who analysed the man scoffed, stifling their laughter.

The old man and the young man that appeared were none other than Fresh Wood and Michael. What the Elder's laughed at was none other than Michael himself.

They found him weak, lacking talent, and unworthy of their presence. They even began to question the sanity of their Sword Sect Patriarch and the head of the Sword Clan which was the chief family. Not minding all these, Fresh Wood began to approach guests, welcoming them and introducing Michael. Not long enough, a group of Elders, young men, and women approached them and clasped their hands to Fresh Wood.

"Greetings Sword Patriarch!" they said in unison as they bowed.

Fresh Wood smiled and said, "Thank you for attending, this young man is the one I will be adopting, I hope that you will treat him well." with a doting tone in his voice.

One young man in the group smiled and spoke out, "Of course Patriarch! We'll treat him with utmost respect!" while having a scornful look on his eyes that was the same with the other people around them.

Michael felt the disgust and disdain in their eyes and began to feel embarrassed. He backed away a bit and looked downwards. The people around them saw these and their scorn grew even more.

"Is it not a little embarrassing for the Patriarch to accept a weak child such as that to be his son? Surely the other Sects from the mountain will mock us with more ardour.", a man wearing a green robe said.

"Do not be that way Elder Willow, surely the Patriarch has greater things in mind, greater than what we can imagine.", chided a man wearing crimson dragon robes.

"Ah, that must be true Elder Tiger, I am embarrassed with my lack of intuition."

This exchange was between the two Elders who were in front of the group. Though not directly said, the mockery beneath those words were apparent and clear for everyone to see.

Michael felt angry, mocking him was one thing, but mocking this man who he already treats as a father was fuelling his rage. He dashed forward carrying a sword in hand and then swung it towards Elder Willow. One of the young men in the group who came to greet them also dashed forward and released magic with his hands, creating a ball of fire that he hurled towards Michael.

Michael tried to dodge, but the magic was fast, too fast for him to even see clearly. The ball of fire hit him and he felt his skin burning. Racked with intense pain, more than he ever felt before, his consciousness slowly faded.

Before his consciousness completely faded away, he saw Fresh Wood's face which was filled with anger as the old man healed him. Though the old man refrained from attacking due to not wanting to hurt someone from the junior generation, this outcome was something that enraged him. He began to walk forward towards the man who attacked Michael but he was stopped by Michael's gaze.

Fresh Wood looked at the young man below him who was full of burn scars as the young man gazed at him. The gaze made the old man's hair stand on end. He realized that this young man did not wish for him who had great power to exact revenge for him. Michael's gaze was filled with madness and to Fresh Wood who saw this, he felt killing intent, it seemed to him that the man was telling him that these people were his prey that he wanted to fight with his own power.

"You surely are stubborn." Fresh Wood muttered while smiling.

He lifted up Michael who was now unconscious and carried him into the house.

"Be prepared, this child may not have talent, but I know that he will surely be a strong being." Fresh Wood said in a voice that no one else but him could hear.